Afghan Taxi Drivers Beat the Heat

In the sweltering city of Kandahar, Afghanistan, where temperatures regularly surpass 40°C (104°F), taxi drivers have devised an ingenious solution to combat the oppressive heat. Faced with frequent malfunctions of built-in air conditioning systems and the prohibitive costs of repairs, these resourceful individuals have taken matters into their own hands by creating custom-made air coolers.

The innovative cooling systems, constructed from large barrels and exhaust tubes, are mounted atop the taxis, offering a more comprehensive cooling solution than traditional AC units. Abdul Bari, one of the pioneering drivers, extols the virtues of this DIY approach, stating, "This works better than [built-in] AC. ACs only cool the front. This cooler spreads air throughout the car."

This creative response to extreme weather conditions is not merely a matter of comfort but a necessity in one of the world's poorest countries, which is also among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As Afghanistan grapples with its warmest-ever spring and a severe nationwide drought, these handmade coolers represent a grassroots adaptation to the escalating climate crisis.

The ingenuity of Kandahar's taxi drivers underscores a broader issue: the disproportionate impact of global warming on developing nations. As temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, such localized solutions may become increasingly vital in regions where access to advanced technology and resources is limited.